http://smart-union.org/news/work-rules-discipline-policy-keys-to-lacmta-deal/
Ebola Hoax
The Ebola Hoax
After the frightening events from yesterday involving a potential Ebola Hoax, we want to reassure our membership that we are and have been on top of the situation from the beginning. We will keep you informed as the events and news unfolds. Here is what we know.
At approximately 1:45 pm yesterday, a man and a female companion entered an LA Metro Bus. The man was wearing a surgical mask and the woman was not. As the man entered the bus he told the operator, “Don’t mess with me. I have Ebola.” The man and his companion then sat down without paying the fare. The operator called into the BOC to inform them of the situation and the operator was told to continue operating the vehicle. The BOC then placed a call to LA County Sheriffs. The man in the mask rode the bus for about 7 minutes before exiting the bus with his companion. Before leaving the bus, the man removed his mask and threw it on a rear seat of the bus. Contrary to unconfirmed rumors from sources who would have no way of knowing what actually occurred, there was no report that anyone was spit on or that any bodily fluid was passed from the man claiming to have Ebola to anyone else on the bus to include the operator. LA County Sheriff’s Department later instructed the operator to stop the vehicle and move the passengers to a trailing bus. The operator was then instructed to drive the bus to Division 10 and to await further instruction.
MTA staff informed Union officials of the situation and Local Chairperson Lisa Arredondo-Smith was dispatched to the scene. Once at Division 10 the operator was “quarantined” in the bus for several hours while LA County and MTA officials determined what to do. After several hours in “quarantine” the operator was given the option to be released but it was highly recommended that the operator go to the hospital. MTA staff took the operator to the hospital and was evaluated for a few hours. The operator was cleared from the hospital and Chairperson Arredondo-Smith took the operator home.
After a hazmat Team was able to clear the vehicle, the MTA was able to download the video from the vehicle to review and share with law enforcement. The Union has demanded and the MTA intends to find this individual and to prosecute him to the furthest extent of the law. The Union, MTA and law enforcement see this as a terrorist threat and intend to pursue this individual as a terrorist. As was negotiated in our new contract, the MTA will have unlimited viewing rights of this video. This is necessary so that MTA and Law Enforcement officials can view the entirety of the incident. It may also be necessary to track down witnesses or any passengers that may have come in contact with the man in the mask. This policy is in place to protect operators as well as the public.
It is believed that this is merely a hoax. For one, if the man actually had Ebola, the only way he would know is if he was informed by a medical doctor. There is not a doctor in the world, at this point, who would diagnosed a person with Ebola and allow them to walk out the door. Second the female companion he was with was not wearing a mask and did not appear to fear contracting Ebola. It is believed by the MTA and Law Enforcement that this man is a transient who frequents the bus system and was using fear of Ebola to evade paying the fare. It is furthered believed that this man will probably be back on the same bus soon and that when he returns, he will be caught.
Whether a hoax or not the Union believes that mistakes were made in the protection of the operator and the passengers and we are demanding answers and action. The first thing that happened is that operators will be allowed to wear masks and gloves if they so desire. At this point we are not sure if this is a temporary or a permanent policy. Next the MTA did not appear to have adequate staff or procedures in place in order to protect the operators or the public in a crisis like this. The union will be demanding action on this issue. The Union will be demanding to take part in the drafting of new procedures and training for the operators in regards to dealing with not just Ebola but other highly infectious diseases. Furthermore the Union will be demanding that the MTA create a single task force, with Union participation, designed to create policy and procedures dedicated to operator safety and protection.
In the days to come the Union will be demanding meetings with MTA staff and Board Members to include county supervisors and Mayor Garcetti to discuss this incident and the MTA response. The union will report back on the progress and result of those meetings.
EDUCATION, STRENGTH, UNITY
http://smart-union.org/news/education-strength-unity/
Thanks to all of the delegates, members, guests and staff that made the First SMART General Convention a resounding success.
I have been involved in this union for 45 years. There has never been a more outspoken, honest, and hardworking General Executive Council than the one we have now. They do what is right for this membership. They make this union. It also helps having a great partner, a general secretary-treasurer who has your back and who makes you proud every day. Joe Sellers is a great leader.
We are now one union. I know that some differences of opinion among the membership remain as in any democratic organization that respects the right of each and every member to speak freely. I will always continue to encourage discussion, debate and your input on where we go in the future.
As I told the convention delegation, we are going to fight some, and we are going to bleed some. But in the end, we’ll all bleed the same blood.
We closed the convention on Aug. 15 as one union. We are not divided and we will not let anything divide us. A house divided will fall and we will never go that way. We have a combined legacy of 270 years. We must build on what previous generations have passed to us by furthering our mission to make this union even stronger in servicing our members.
I am telling you what I told the assembled delegates at the convention. All business managers, business agents, general chairpersons and local chairpersons must realize that service to the membership must come first. Whether they are representing airline, rail, transportation or sheet metal members, our leaders must continue their duty to represent the membership to the best of their ability.
This union’s leadership will not tolerate anyone who doesn’t represent their members. You don’t have to like Joe Nigro, but you do have to like and work for your membership.
Through education, strength and unity, we will fulfill our mission to make SMART the strongest union in North America.
As I noted in my column here last month, I was never as proud of our members as I was to see our sheet metal brothers and sisters standing shoulder to shoulder with our transportation membership at a rally held by employees on the Long Island Rail Road.
It was outstanding to see sheet metal workers and transportation workers getting together and fighting together on behalf of their brothers and sisters. When I walked into that parking lot with more than 3,000 people, I was so proud.
Our membership was successful in obtaining a fair agreement with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority and I congratulate LIRR GO 505 General Chairperson Anthony Simon and his leadership team for that outstanding effort.
We departed our first SMART convention renewed, stronger and united. We will continue to forge a new future with the dignity, integrity and the honor that went into building this great union. To read and view coverage from the First SMART General Convention, visit your union’s website at www.smart-union.org.
It’s all about our union, our members and our strength. Together, we are all SMART.
Joseph J. Nigro
SMART General President
New Pay Rates Start This Week
This week LACMTA bus and light rail operators begin working under the new pay rates negotiated by SMART GCA 875 beginning October 1st. Pay checks that were distributed today will not reflect the new pay rates since the payroll for this check closed on September 27th. The General Committee is aware that it may take 30 days from the date of ratification for MTA payroll system to get caught up on the new pay rates. Contract ratification occurred on September 18th and the payroll for the October 17th check distribution closes on October 11th. MTA staff is working quickly in an attempt to meet the October 11th deadline for check distribution on October 17th.
Congratulations on Our New Contract
Congratulations on Our New Contract
The General Committee of Adjustment would like to congratulate its members on their new contract. Through hard work and perseverance the union members of the SMART Transportation Division in one vote eliminated the two tier system, re-wrote the book on discipline and protected their healthcare benefits.
The number one issue of importance to operators was the work rules. Operators were being treated unfairly with discipline. The union negotiating team has produced a document that will save the jobs and careers of its members. This committee is committed to policing and enforcing the protections that were negotiated for its members. These work rules will serve as a model for other transportation bargaining units in the future.
The next major issue was pay. The two tier system that was in place served as a major source of stress and contention since 1997. In this contract younger operators will see significant pay raises as a reward for their seniority status. This was a major step in securing a bright future for the union and its membership.
Another major article of concern for the members was their healthcare benefits. Since the last contract the Affordable Care Act put a squeeze on bargaining units all over the country. In this contract the General Committee was able to secure increased contributions to the Health and Welfare Trust that will prevent premium increases while at the same time allowing the Trust to lower doctor’s office co-pays. This contract secures the membership’s healthcare benefits for the life of the contract and beyond.
This contract ushers in a new era for this union and its members. The benefits of this contract will be felt by our members today and members in the future. In Solidarity we find Strength. In Strength we find Courage. In Courage we find Victory. In Victory we find Solidarity. United as one in Solidarity there is nothing we cannot achieve.
Certified Ratification Results
These are the ratification results as certified by the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service.
WE HAVE A CONTRACT
The General Committee of Adjustment 875 of SMART Transportation Division is pleased to announce that the members have ratified the contract. The final vote count was 1822 in favor and 1585 against, or a difference of 7%. The General Committee would like to thank the overwhelming majority of the members who came out and took part in this contract ratification. With over 66% of the membership voting, the General Committee is so very proud of the true show of solidarity from the membership.
The results as certified by the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service, will be posted as soon as we have the document.
Contract Ratification is Tomorrow
Contract ratification on the new tentative agreement is tomorrow. Voting will be conducted in the divisions from 4am – 3pm. Tellers will be in the divisions with ballots and copies of the tentative agreement for members to review. After the closing of the polls, the ballots will be counted at the SMART Transportation Division offices at 15999 Cypress Ave, Irwindale CA 91706. The count and results will be monitored and certified by the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service (SMCS). They are the same organization that performed and certified the last vote. You can find more information about the SMCS on the State of California’s website:
http://www.perb.ca.gov/csmcs/smcs.aspx
The General Committee would like all LACMTA Operators to vote yes on this contract. The General Committee believes that this is the best opportunity to once and for all eliminate the Two Tier System and to fix the work rules that have caused so much stress and heartache for the operators.
If you did not receive a copy of the synopsis you can review it on our website:
http://www.gca875smart.org/news/2014/9/12/contract-update-synopsis
While you are there please take the time to update your contact information here:
http://www.gca875smart.org/contact/
Please include your full name, badge number, local number, and complete address and phone number.
The New Article 1 and the Benefits of Seniority
During contract negotiations the General Committee heard a lot from the members about their frustration with the Two Tier system. Under the new progressive pay structure proposed in this new tentative agreement, the Tiers are once and for all eliminated and the future of bus and rail operators pay checks is secured for years to come.
Under the old system operators hired after July 1, 1997 had no path to the top pay scale. As of October 1st that unfair system is thrown out and all operators will be rewarded for their seniority. During the life of this 3 year contract, several hundred senior operators who were previously excluded from the top pay scale will finally be able to take advantage of their seniority and earn their way in. Younger operators who are still accumulating seniority will be compensated accordingly with significant pay increases along their career along with the comfort of knowing that the top pay level is within reach. For almost all SMART Transportation Division members from Part-Timers to the most senior operators, this will be the most financially lucrative contract they have ever seen.
Synopses were mailed out to the membership and if you did not receive one, make sure that the union has updated contact information for you. You can call the union offices at 626-962-9980 or you can email the union through our website gca875smart.org and click on “CONTACT”. If you are emailing, please include your full name, union local, and badge number along with your current address and phone number.
Possible Increased MTA Presence to Talk Fare Increases
The General Committee wants to let its operators know that they may see and increased presence by MTA staff on Monday morning. The GCA has been informed that the MTA may have a team of customer service and public relations professionals out in the public to talk about the fare increases. These Metro staff members will not be there to check in on or report back to managers on the operators.
Contract Update Synopsis
Article 1 Rates of Pay
Section 2: Effective Dates, Basic Rates and Starting Rates Strait Time Rates of Pay
(a) Bus and Train Operators – Full Time
1) Full Time Operators will be subject to the following rate and progression effective 10/1/2014:
Less than 5 years of Full Time Service Refer to section 2 (b) 2)
After 5 years of Full Time Service $23.49
After 6 Years of Full Time Service $24.49
After 10 Years of Full Time Service $25.49
After 11 Years of Full Time Service $26.49
After 17 Years of Full Time Service $27.90
Part-Time Operators with less than five (5) years of service who promote to Full-Time will promote laterally in pay and will follow the wage progression shown in Section(b) 2.
Bus and Train Operators – Part Time
1) Part-Time Operators hired prior to 7/1/97 will be subject to the following base rate:
Effective 10/1/2014 $27.90
2) Part-Time Operators hired on or after 7/1/97 will be subject to the following base rate and progression
First Six Months of Service $14.91
Next Twelve Months of Service $16.06
Next Twelve Months of Service $17.21
Next Twelve Months of Service $18.35
Eighth Six Months of Service $20.65
Thereafter $22.94
(c) Trainees
Effective
10/1/2014 $11.60
7/1/2015 $11.80
7/1/2016 $12.00
(d) Schedule Checkers
Less than 5 years of Full Time Service Refer to section 2 (b) 2)
After 5 years of Full Time Service $23.49
After 6 Years of Full Time Service $24.49
After 10 Years of Full Time Service $25.49
After 11 Years of Full Time Service $26.49
After 17 Years of Full Time Service $27.90
(e) Schedule Makers
1) Schedule Maker II
Effective Step B C D E F
10/1/2014 $27.67 $28.77 $29.93 $31.91 $32.47
7/1/2015 $28.50 $29.63 $30.83 $32.12 $33.44
7/1/2016 $29.35 $30.52 $31.75 $33.09 $34.44
2) Schedule Maker I
Effective Step B C D E F
10/1/2014 $25.61 $26.58 $27.62 $28.75 $29.88
7/1/2015 $26.37 $27.38 $28.45 $29.61 $30.78
7/1/2016 $27.17 $28.20 $29.31 $30.50 $31.70
Article 5 Travel Time – Dead Head
Added Sec 13: Train Operators are permitted to Dead Head in a non-controlled cab.
Article 7 Manning Revenue Equipment
Sec 2: Contract Service vehicles cannot be stored on Division Yards except in an emergency.
Article 13 Method of Handling Extra Operators’ Lists
Sec 8: Need for additional Operators on Extra List
(h)The following procedure will be used in calling the VCB Operators on their second day, who have signified that they would not check for assignments on their second or third day as outlined in this section
(2) When a TOS calls an operator at home, the TOS must leave a message if there is no answer.
Article 19 Student Operators / Trainee Schedulers
Sec 1, 2, & 3: Pay for instruction increased from “plus $2.00 per hour” to “plus $3.00 per hour”.
Article 21 Schedule Makers Articles / Addendums of Contract Applicable
Added Article 58: Worker’s Compensation
Article 22 Rail Service
Sec 4: Train operators who fail evaluations have the option to go back to bus operations.
Added Sec 8: Fatalities on the rail will be investigated by outside law enforcement officials.
Article 26 Filing of Claims – Procedure – Limitations
Sec 3: Hearing Officers will make independent decision at second level appeals.
Article 27 Discipline Rule
Sec 2: Major Rule Violations
-Major Rule Violations are defined and the merit / demerit system is removed.
(a)(1) Gross Misconduct: “The parties understand that actions such as theft, sabotage, bullying, violence, sexual harassment, serious breaches of safety rules and arson constitute gross misconduct.”
Sec 3: Progressive System for Minor Infractions
-Minor infractions are defined and a progressive system of discipline is created. No longer can managers make up the rules or the discipline process.
-The system allows for up to 6 different minor infractions in a floating 6 month period before discharge is an option.
-If multiple violations occur in a single incident “(write-up or line ride)”, all of the violations are counted as a single violation.
Sec 4: Audio / Video
Bus
-For alleged minor infractions, the video review process will be limited to 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the time of the alleged incident.
-For alleged major infractions, the video review process will be limited to 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the time of the alleged incident.
-For alleged assaults, the LACMTA retains the right to an open investigation.
Rail
LACMTA will use a technology-based testing program to randomly monitor employee performance and ensure compliance with federal and state rail safety laws and regulations as well as Metro rules, including rules and policies governing the use of electronic devices
Sec 8: Service Inspection Reports / Violations
(c) Service inspectors and witnesses other than Mystery Riders must testify in person at first and second level appeals.
Sec 8: Merit System of Discipline
REMOVED COMPLETELY
Sec 17: Accidents and Incidents
-“The following steps will be followed for a three (3) avoidable accidents within a floating eighteen (18) month period:”
- Accidents dates older than 18 months will not be considered in discipline or discharge cases.
-Incidents are enumerated and are evaluated separately from other accidents. They will not be considered in the review of the operator’s record.
-Fatalities or accidents that have major injury or damage will be evaluated by an outside law enforcement agency.
Article 36 Checking Earnings
Implementation language is removed.
Article 45 Group Life Insurance
Sec 5: “On retirement the employee will be allowed to continue insurance in the amount of One Hundred percent of the amount carried prior to retirement.”
Article 46 Health Plan
The monthly amount to be paid by the authority to employees for the term of this agreement is as follows, except as specified in Section 2
7/2013 7/2014 7/2015 7/2016
FT Active & Inactive $1047 $1125 $1209 $1300
FT Retired $577 $620 $666 $716
Part Time $502 $539 $580 $623
-Included in the numbers are the contributions from 2013 to show the increase that union members will gain over the life of this new contract.
-SMART Transportation Division credited back $0 from the Trust to the MTA ensuring the health of the Trust. ATU credited back $3.4 million from their Medical Trust and TCU credited back $1.2 million from their Trust to the MTA in order to pay for their QWA.
Article 47 Sick Leave
Sec 5: Once a year, employees may choose to cash out all sick hours over 2208 into a 401 or 457 at 100% of its value.
Article 50 Part-Time Employees
(r) Promotion procedure as previously announced.
(u) Part-Timer Operators will bid in regular June and December Shakes-Ups and bi-weekly open assignments. Part-Timers will bid PTO at the June Shake-Up.
Article 57 Effective Date – Duration – Termination
3 year contract effective July 1st 2014 – June 30th 2017.
New Tentative Agreement Reached with the MTA: Two Tier System Eliminated
We are proud to announce that a new Tentative Agreement has been reached with the MTA and is ready for your approval. The new agreement includes a complete overhaul of Article 1 having to do with pay and an elimination of the Two Tier System.
After ratification, the new contract will go into effect starting October 1, 2014 and will end June 30, 2017. In this contract the Two Tier System will be eliminated for good and will be replaced by a Seniority Based Step Progression Schedule. Pay Rate Step Increases will occur on an operator’s 5, 6, 10, 11 and 17 year Full Time anniversary date. If you put in the time and do the job, any operator can reach the top of the pay scale. All operators will be placed in their appropriate progression steps and all operators with 17+ years of Full Time service will be placed in the Top Pay Rate effective October 1, 2014. During the life of the contract all operators will see at least one significant pay increase with the Top Rate receiving a 4.5% pay increase. Trainees, Schedule Checkers and Makers, and some Part Time Operators will also receive rate increases as well.
On top of the complete overhaul of Article 1, your General Committee was able to maintain the rest of the gains that were obtained in the previous Tentative Agreement. The General Committee is extremely proud of the work that was put into crafting the new work rules in Article 27. Other transportation unions have gone on strike to get a fraction of what your General Committee accomplished in terms of work rules. Those rules, once ratified, will serve as a model for other bargaining units in the future. Other gains including the increased contribution to the Health and Welfare Trust, which secures your medical coverage for the life of this contract.
The ratification vote will occur in the divisions on September 18. The votes will be counted that same evening at the SMART Transportation Division offices in Irwindale and will be overseen and certified by the California State Mediation Service which conducted the last vote. The vote timing and procedure is being performed in accordance to all Union constitutions and by laws.
Your General Committee overwhelmingly approves and endorse this Tentative Agreement and recommends your YES vote. In Solidarity we find Strength. In Strength we find Courage. In Courage we find Victory. In Victory we find Solidarity. United as one in Solidarity there is nothing we cannot achieve.
Bulletin: New Tentative Agreement Reached with MTA
A new Tentative Agreement has been reached between the LACMTA and SMART Transportation Division. The new agreement focuses on a complete overhaul of Article 1. The gains made in the other Articles from the previous Tentative Agreement were maintained and are unchanged. The General Committee will be mailing and posting a synopsis later this week for the members to review. Along with the synopsis will be an explanation of the ratification procedure to include dates and times.
Bulletin: Contract Negotiations Update
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Since the rejection of the tentative agreement we have received many concerned calls and emails from members worried about what will happen next. Some were fears of an imminent strike while others were disappointed they did not see increases in their past few pay checks. Let me assure you that we are working hard on the issue.
The first step was to get a day to day contract extension which we got. This will ensure the current rules, pay levels, and benefits contributions from the previous contract will remain while we continue the negotiations process. This was an important first step because without it, operators would be at the mercy of the MTA managers without any contract terms to protect them.
When the tentative agreement was rejected, all the articles went back on the table. With a low voter turnout, it gives the MTA the impression that our members don’t care and that we have no solidarity which I whole heartedly disagree with. Whether true or not, it left your negotiating team with a very weak bargaining position.
Since then I have spent a great deal of time and effort working with your Local Chairs to ensure that we don’t lose any of the gains we made in the last tentative agreement. I am extremely proud of the work we did in crafting the new work rules in Article 27 and I would hate to lose any of those gains in the next agreement. Other transportation unions have gone on strike to get a fraction of what we accomplished in terms of work rules and those rules will serve as a model for other bargaining units in the future.
We are also working hard to ensure we don’t lose anything on the financial side of the tentative agreement as well. I know we got every dollar we could from the MTA. $85 Million is more than 4 times what we got in our last contract and it represents a lot in pay and medical benefits security for members and their families. We have met this week with the MTA and will meet again next week to discuss options in the area of pay and benefits structure so that we meet the goals given to us by the members.
To ensure we are able to reach every member with the next tentative agreement, please make sure that your union has an updated address and contact information. You can contact us through our website GCA875SMART.org or by calling the union offices direct at 626-962-9980.
In Solidarity,
James A Williams
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: GP NIGRO, GST SELLERS, GEC RE-ELECTED
http://smart-union.org/news/transparency-and-accountability-gp-nigo-gst-sellers-gec-re-elected/
Delegates to the First SMART Convention at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas have returned General President Joseph J. Nigro and General Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Sellers, Jr. to five-year terms in office by acclamation. Sheet Metal delegates also returned by acclamation all 11 current General Vice Presidents to the General Executive Council. In keeping with provisions of the SMART Constitution, each officer was nominated and seconded, and voting delegates were given the opportunity to propose other candidates. All 1,007 certified voting delegates, representing a variety of crafts from SMART’s new, diverse membership, were eligible to vote for the offices of General President and General Secretary-Treasurer. Only Sheet Metal delegates were eligible to participate in yesterday’s elections for the Sheet Metal General Vice Presidents. First General Vice President Bruce Word took over the convention chair to conduct the electoral process, beginning with the nominations to elect Nigro and Sellers and followed by the nominations and elections of the 11 General Vice Presidents. After the voting was concluded, the oath of office was administered to all 20 international officers, including the Transportation General Vice Presidents, who were elected at the Transportation Division Convention earlier this summer.
ALL ABOARD! GENERAL PRESIDENT NIGRO PRESENTS VISION FOR SMART FUTURE
http://smart-union.org/news/all-aboard-general-president-nigro-presents-vision-for-smart-future/
SMART General President Joseph Nigro opened the proceedings of the First SMART General Convention August 6 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with a message stressing education, strength and unity.
Following the presentation of the Colors by the Palo Verde High School Junior ROTC and the singing of the Canadian and U.S. national anthems by former Sheet Metal Local 67 former bookkeeper Melina Narezo, Nigro advised delegates and guests that union leadership at all levels need to make sure they know their jobs and responsibilities.
“Let’s make sure you represent the people to the best of our ability—whether it’s planes, trains, buses or sheet metal, our leaders have to be educated; they can’t just shoot from the hip.”
After affirming that a merger between the former Sheet Metal Workers International Association and United Transportation Union was formally consolidated, Nigro acknowledged that some differences of opinion among the membership remain and encouraged discussion and debate.
“We’re going to fight some. We’re going to bleed some. But we’ll all bleed the same blood,” he said. “I’m tired of saying ‘we’ and ‘them.’ I want to feel comfortable saying ‘us.’ So, get all your animosity out.”
“We need to close the convention on Friday with one mission—that we are one union. That we are not divided, and we won’t let anything divide us. A house divided will fall. We will not go that way.”
Nigro spoke directly to all levels of union leadership—business managers, business agents, general chairpersons, and local chairpersons—when he said that service to the membership must come first.
“We will not tolerate anyone who won’t represent their members,” he said.
“You don’t have to like Joe Nigro, but you do have to like and work for your membership. Our mission is to make SMART the strongest union in North America.”
Noting the strength that can be found through SMART’s united membership, Nigro referenced a labor dispute between members of Transportation Division General Committee of Adjustment GO 505 and management of the Long Island Rail Road. GO 505 General Chairperson Anthony Simon led eight coalition unions in the dispute.
After asking for members of the delegation of GO 505 to rise, Nigro said his attendance at a labor rally there this summer was one of the most fulfilling moments of his union career.
“It was outstanding. Seeing sheet metal workers and transportation people, getting together and fighting together for the same cause—the SMART union! When I walked into that parking lot with over 3,000 people, I was so proud. Anthony, you and your boys, we’re proud as hell of you!”
Nearing the end of his address, Nigro offered his vision for the organization’s future.
“Transparency, transparency, transparency. And accountability. Our books are open to our members. We’re going to show them how we’ve spent their money. We also need to be accountable as officers for our actions and our decisions,” he said.
“Our deliberations over the next five days will give us the opportunity to move forward renewed, stronger, and united. This is our time to forge a new future with the dignity, with the integrity and the honor that built this great union. It’s all about our union . . . our members . . . our strength. Together, we are all SMART.”
In closing, Nigro advised it was time to move forward with the union’s business at hand.
“As a famous conductor once said: ALL ABOARD!”
FIRST SMART GENERAL CONVENTION FORGES A UNITED TOMORROW
http://smart-union.org/news/first-smart-general-convention-forges-a-united-tomorrow/
In their First General Convention, held August 11 – 15, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers brought together delegates from across North America to determine the course of their union through the next five years and beyond.
Over the course of the convention, delegates and committee members will meet and vote to ratify and finalize a new SMART Constitution, to elect a slate of officers, and to discuss reports on topics relevant to the industries and professions represented by SMART.
Guest speakers at the convention are set to include AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, President Sean McGarvey of North America’s Building Trades Unions, Nevada AFL-CIO Executive Secretary-Treasurer Danny Thompson, Southern Nevada AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Darren Enns, and Fred Myers of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. SMART General President Joe Nigro and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association President Randy Novak are also slated to address the delegates.
The First SMART General Convention is also notable for its use of electronic voting and the use of e-readers to distribute convention daily news to all delegates. This green approach to convention communication falls directly in line with SMART members’ participation in green technologies on the job—through innovative HVAC practices and energy efficiency along with daily work in transportation systems (like rail and mass transit) that reduce greenhouse emissions and our dependence on foreign oil.
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, is one of North America’s most dynamic and diverse unions with 216,000 members. SMART’s members produce and provide the vital services that move products to market, passengers to their destinations and ensure the quality of the air we breathe. We are sheet metal workers, service technicians, bus operators, engineers, conductors, sign workers, welders, production employees and more. With members in scores of different occupations, we advocate for fairness in the workplace, excellence at work and opportunity for all working families.
For more information, visit the SMART website at www.smart-union.org.
SMART General President Nigro Addresses the SMART TD Convention
Union Granted Day to Day Extension
After a minority of union members narrowly rejected a tentative agreement with the LACMTA, the SMART Transportation Division has been granted a day to day contract extension following the MTA General Board Meeting held on Thursday July 24th. This is standard operating procedure and a common negotiating tool employed in the event that contract negotiations go beyond the previous contract terms. The previous contract expired on June 30th. Contrary to popular belief, the MTA is not legally required to abide by the previous contract terms once it has expired.
The day to day extension will ensure the current pay rates, benefits contributions by the MTA, and current work rules will remain in effect while the two sides continue the negotiations process. This is important because it gives the Local Chairpersons a framework to fight cases and arbitrations currently in the process with the MTA. Without this extension the employees would be at the mercy of MTA Management without any contract provisions to protect them.
The General Committee wants the members to be aware that none of the employee protections, pay or benefit increases, to include retroactive pay, that were contained in the rejected tentative agreement will occur and they are currently off the table. Union members will be advised as the negotiations process continues.
Day-to-Day Contract Extension
July 25, 2014
Mr. James A. Williams
General Chairman
SMART/UTU
15999 Cypress Avenue
Irwindale, CA 91706
Dear Mr. Williams:
As we discussed, the MTA and SMART/UTU mutually agree to extend the labor contract between SMART/UTU and the LACMTA, which expired on June 30, 2014, on a day-to-day basis. If either party wishes to cancel this agreement, a 72 hour notice of cancellation must be given to the other party.
Please indicate your concurrence with this agreement by signing on the signature line below.